Master of Library Science degree, University at Buffalo, May 2004
Public library certification for New York State
Courses Taken: (descriptions taken from the University at Buffalo website, 2005)
Required:
505 Introduction to Library and Information Studies
An introduction to the library and information science profession covering historical and philosophical foundations of library and information studies, an overview of the professional setting including types of libraries and information centers and professional organizations, networks and utilities, and an introduction to library literature and research and current issues in library and information studies. Students will also learn the use of current electronic tools. An orientation to the LIS program will be provided and students will begin to develop their individual educational objectives for the program. Newly admitted MLS students must take this course in their first enrollment period.
506 Introduction to Information Technology
This course will introduce students to the foundational vocabulary, concepts, and practices for the use of information technology in libraries and information centers. Topics will include information storage and retrieval, networking, systems analysis, computing standards, and emerging technologies. LIS 506 should be taken as the second course in sequence in the MLS program.
518 Reference Sources and Services
A study of the evaluation, selection, and use of general reference sources by type of material,including an analysis of search strategy. Source types include dictionaries, almanacs, indexes,abstracts, directories, encyclopedias, government documents, and the Internet. Also includes a survey of reference policies and services. If possible, this should be taken as the third course in sequence in the MLS program.
571 Organization and Control of Recorded Information
Introduces students to cataloging and classification practices common in most American libraries and information centers. Basic cataloging tools such as The Anglo- American Cataloging Rules, both the Library of Congress and the Dewey decimal classification schemes and the Sears and Library of Congress subject heading lists as well as the major automated source of catalog records, the OCLC system, are introduced. Students will participate in practical exercises including OCLC searching and the preparation of catalog records. They will also, however, consider more policy oriented and theoretical issues. Emphasis will be on the adaptation of existing tools for the age of automated information retrieval. Fall, Spring
581 Management of Libraries and Information Agencies
Prerequisites: LIS 505 Introduction to Library and Information Studies Management theory and practice applicable to varied information service agencies and to supervisory, middle, and top managers are explored through lecture, case studies, problem analysis, role playing, and course assignments. It is recommended that students defer LIS 581 until their final coursework for better translation of management principles to work environments.
Elective:
520 Business Information Sources
A study of sources of business information in accounting, business law, consumer information, finance, industry, international business, job information, management, marketing, small business, taxation and related areas. Also covers: forms of business organization, uses and users of business information and the role and function of a business library or information center. Alternate years. Prerequisite: LIS 518 Reference Sources & Services or equivalent.
535 Resources and Services for Young Adults
A study of literature and other media produced for young adults. Includes an introduction to adolescent psychology, lifestyles, and interests and how these impact young adults and their reading/viewing habits. Students will learn to evaluate and promote materials according to their various uses, both personal and curricular, and according to the needs of individual young adults.
566 Digital Information Retrieval
Prerequisites: LIS 518 Reference Sources & Services.
Emphasis is twofold: the practical aspects of online bibliographic retrieval and its implications for the library and information profession. Students develop skills in searching, with numerous laboratory assignments in bibliographic and full-text databases. They also study issues of question negotiation, search strategy formulation and database evaluation. Discussions, readings and some assignments require a consideration of the place of on-line retrieval in reference services and its impact on libraries and information centers, on the professionals who work in them, and on the people who use them. Fall and Spring.
567 Government Information
This introduction to the Government Printing Office, Federal depository libraries, and government information production covers print and electronic sources, with practice in reference use and emphasis on U.S. Federal resources. Fall
569 Database Management Systems
Study of microcomputer-based data management techniques and systems, including evaluation of software packages, for the organization, manipulation, and retrieval of information. Examination of relational database techniques such as sorting, searching, indexing, report generation, and data transfer using DBMS command language. Projects include development of a working system. Spring; Prerequisite: LIS 506 Information Storage and Retrieval
584 Academic and Research Libraries
Covers academic libraries in all types of institutions: community, 4-year, university, public, private, liberal arts, technical and research. Includes topics in administration, budget, organization, personnel, planning and objectives, networking, automation, collection development, standards evaluation, and library buildings. Spring or Summer
526 Practicum (3 Credits)Information Resources Center at Bureau Veritas (see resume for details)
Prerequisites: completion of at least 12 credit hours toward the MLS Degree
Supervised field experience in an area of library or information service selected on the basis of the student's interest. Provides an opportunity for the student to practice and observe in a real working situation under the supervision of a practicing librarian or information specialist and a faculty member of LIS. One credit hour is given for each 40 hours of field experience. Fall, Spring and Summer
598 Directed Study (3 Credits)Online Database Management Systems
Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor
Offers an opportunity for a student to explore a topic of special interest under the supervision of a faculty member.